Overview
Pacific City is a flat-bottomed, user-friendly beachbreak at Cape Kiwanda. It is a forgiving, generally soft wave that comes into its own when it is small and glassy. As the swell builds, a bigger outside right starts to break off the barren cape, but the heavily surfed inner beachbreak stays the heart of the spot.
When It Works
The sandbars here can shape up clean rights and lefts, so this is a proper beachbreak that rewards good banks. It draws swell from south-southwest through west to northwest (SSW-W-NW) and works from 1.5 m / 5 ft to 2.1 m / 7 ft. Think of it as a summer and autumn spot, with the reliable window running June through September. It is not a standout in the region, but it serves up fun, manageable waves when the banks line up.
Wind and Tide
Look for east-northeast (ENE) offshore wind to groom the faces, with a workable wind window stretching from northeast to east-southeast (NE-ESE). It is best on mid tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is a true everyman's break that suits beginners, intermediates, and experts alike, and it takes just about any board, from shortboards and fish to funboards and longboards. Paddling out is not too bad. Expect a busy lineup, especially on weekends when the surf is not giant and the south winds are not near gale force, and the vibe in the water can feel a little reserved. Keep a moderate shark factor in mind.
Access
From either direction, exit Highway 101 onto the Three Capes Scenic Loop and drive into Pacific City. At the north end of town along Cape Kiwanda Drive, you will find a wide, paved parking lot with a brewery on the left. Park anywhere in the lot.
